Parking-retail deal OKd for Berwyn

There will soon be more parking and shopping options in downtown Berwyn.

Officials last week approved construction of a four-story parking garage in the Depot District that will include retail space.

Aldermen unanimously approved an $8.5 million bid for the 11-month project at its last council meeting. The low bidder, Power Construction Co. of Schaumburg, will break ground in December at the city-owned property near the 3300 block of South Grove Avenue.

Mayor Michael O'Connor said the garage will have 390 parking spaces -- 300 of which will be used for Metra commuter parking on weekdays. There are currently 100 spots for commuter parking along the rail line and those spots will be freed up for business patrons and workers.

The project also calls for 16,000 square feet of retail space at street level. Berwyn officials said the space would be for restaurants and boutique stores.

O'Connor said the city will use $3 million in federal and state grants and money from the sale of bonds to pay for construction.